Joe Allen: The truth about my relationship with Brendan Rodgers

The Welshman was one of Rodgers' first signings at Anfield in 2012 having previously spent two seasons under the Northern Irishman at Swansea.

Rodgers held the 25-year-old in high regard, labelling him the 'Welsh Xavi' on the documentary Being: Liverpool following his £15m arrival.

And Allen has now thanked Rodgers, who was sacked last month, but has set his sights on impressing new manager Jurgen Klopp.

"He was a huge influence because he was my manager for over five seasons with two football clubs," Allen told the Liverpool Echo.

**The hottest WAGS in the Premier League**

Can you match these stunning WAGS with their Premier League partners?

How well do you know your wags? See if you can match these babes with their Premier League partners.

1 / 56

INSTAGRAM

She's a former Miss Iceland...

GETTY

HUGE INFLUENCE: Joe Allen has revealed Brendan Rodgers' impact on him

GETTY

CLOSE RELATIONSHIP: Allen and Rodgers

“He was a huge influence because he was my manager for over five seasons with two football clubs”

Joe Allen

"We won promotion to the Premier League with Swansea City on a fantastic day in the play-off final at Wembley and obviously we came so close to winning the title here at Liverpool a couple of seasons ago.

"It means we shared some massive highs but as everyone knows change is something that always happens in football and you have to accept it."

Allen has found opportunities limited under Klopp so far, making a brief appearance against Tottenham in the German's first game before being substituted at half-time against Rubin Kazan.